Poker is a card game that involves betting between players using chips (representing money). The pot consists of the total amount of all the bets placed by players during a single hand. Players may call, raise or fold based on the strength of their hand. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

The basic rules of poker are straightforward and easy to learn, but it takes considerable skill to play a good hand well. To do so, you must first understand the basics of poker hand rankings and positional strategy. You must also be able to read the other players at your table, which requires paying close attention to their movements and how they handle their cards and chips.

Another crucial aspect of poker is understanding how to make the right calls at the right time. A great way to improve your decision-making is by studying the play of great poker players. Watching videos of Phil Ivey, for example, can help you understand how to play the game properly and with a controlled temperament.

A common mistake that many new players make is chasing too many hands. This is a big waste of chips. Instead, you should play a tighter range and focus on playing the strongest hands from early positions and from the blinds. If you do so, your opponents will find it harder to exploit you. In addition, it’s important to be able to mix up your betting and playing styles, as this will keep your opponents on their toes.